Bruno Serato, Our Hero

Some thirty years ago, chef Bruno Serato arrived from Italy with $200 in his pocket. In 1987, he purchased the 1909 National Historical Landmark building in Orange County, California, that housed the Anaheim White House restaurant since 1981. Thus began the latest chapter in Serato’s success story.

More and more people are now getting to know the big-hearted chef, thanks to another award. CNN has named him one of their ten “2011 CNN Heroes.” This was not for cooking for dignitaries and celebrities, but for cooking for about 300 underprivileged kids for the past seven years, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Watch my exclusive interview with Serato to learn more about his other job. The video is lengthy, but it is a tribute to him, as he spends so much time helping these unfortunate kids, who would not get dinner without his noble efforts.

You can help these children, too: every time you dine at Anaheim White House, a free pasta dinner is served to a child. When you visit the restaurant, you are welcome to drop uncooked pasta in a basket at the entrance. You can also make donations through his charity, Caterina’s Club. It is named after his mother, as she is the one you gave him the idea. It is Christmas time, so be generous.

Here at GAYOT.com, we all wish you Happy Holidays!

You can click on each photo to enlarge to see dishes from Anaheim White House restaurant menu. All photos by Sophie Gayot.

Ravioli Arragosta: Lobster and basil filled ravioli with a sauce of Japanese ginger and citrus

“Jackie O.,” an invention by pastry chef David Lorenzo, who creates fantasy sculptures from caramel and sugar and then surrounds the plate with bite-size cakes, pastries and chocolate-covered strawberries.